Funding Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Cancer Prevention and
Control Research Network Collaborating Center)

Study Period: 9/30/14–9/29/19

This study aims to disseminate, implement and evaluate the impact of efficacious,
multilevel and multi-site public health interventions to address cancer-related health
disparities; engage community partners and stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally
in research, training and technical assistance to broaden the evidence base and increase
the impact of the cancer prevention and control D&I research in SC and translate effective
interventions into practice both here and nationally; and increase participation in
cancer prevention and control behaviors, such as cancer screening, physical activity
and access to and consumption of healthful foods among high-risk and disparate populations.

Studies have shown that increased distance to the closest endoscopy provider is associated
with lower screening utilization among Medicare enrollees. The purpose of this study
is to examine urban vs. rural trends in the use of colonoscopy, and the availability
of colonoscopy providers over time, in North and South Carolina using ambulatory surgery
data. This study will inform workforce capacity building efforts and provide key insights
into potential interventions to increase utilization of colonoscopy in rural areas.

A Dissemination Project to Advance Lung Cancer Screening in South Carolina

The overall goals of our study fall into three main categories: (i) an investigation
into current attitudes, opinions and practices regarding LDCT screening for lung cancer
among primary care physicians (in particular, gaining insight into what possible barriers
may exist that stand in the way of physician recommendation of such screening); (ii)
dissemination of accurate and up-to-date information regarding the risks and benefits
of LDCT screening to primary care physicians, patients, policymakers and stakeholders
across South Carolina; and (iii) using the results of the survey to design a shared
decision-making aid for physicians to use together with their patients when deciding
whether to undergo LDCT screening for lung cancer. Ultimately, we aim to increase
utilization of screening with the end goal of reducing lung cancer mortality and related
disparities in South Carolina.

This project will establish a biospecimen repository among patients undergoing a screening
colonoscopy. The objective of this study is to identify biochemical, genetic and epigenetic
biomarkers of adenomatous polyp formation that can be targeted for colon cancer prevention.

Funding Source: National Institute of General Medicine Sciences, National Institutes
of Health

Study Period: 9/10/13–7/31/14

The purpose of this pilot project funded by the Center for Colon Cancer Research was
to establish a research data registry of patients who participated in the SC Colon
Cancer Prevention Network’s Screening Program for uninsured residents.

Showing Up for Mammography: A Project to Understand and Improve Adherence to Mobile
Mammography Appointments

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the organizational systems and processes
in place for patient tracking of mobile mammography unit clients at McLeod Regional
Hospital in Florence, SC and to provide practical recommendations for quality and
process improvement. Additionally, we interviewed other mobile mammography unit directors
in the southeastern region to frame the context for our evaluation.

Funding Source: South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute

Study Period: 10/15/10–10/14-12

Participation in cervical cancer screening is relatively high, whereas HIV testing
uptake remains low, which points to a potential opportunity for earlier intervention.
Further, HIV+ women are purportedly less likely to have Pap tests as frequently as
recommended despite increased risk of cervical cancer. This research is a secondary
data analysis of the South Carolina (SC) Medicaid database with linkage to the SC
HIV/AIDS Reporting System (HARS) database for HIV+ women to learn more about the scope
of this problem in SC. The specific aims are to: 1) describe cervical cancer screening
and HIV testing behaviors; 2) identify sociodemographic factors associated with these
preventive health behaviors among females with unknown HIV status; 3) identify sociodemographic
and HIV-related clinical factors associated with preventive health behaviors among
females who are HIV-positive; 4) identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated
with these preventive health behaviors among females aged 40–64 years who have been diagnosed with breast and/or cervical cancer; and 5) create
county-level maps using spatial epidemiology techniques to show utilization of cervical
cancer screening and HIV testing health services. The research will result in evidence
to support cervical cancer screening among HIV-positive women to reduce AIDS-related
deaths from cervical cancer and Pap testing as a potential missed opportunity to promote
the uptake of HIV testing among post-reproductive age women for an earlier diagnosis
of HIV infection among an interdisciplinary team of researchers.

Partnership with NCCCP and the Community Network Program Institutions to Increase
Screening in Racial/Ethnic Minority and Underserved and Other Underserved Populations

The purpose of this study was to serve as a regional Community Network Program Institute
partner to the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCP), which is a network of
21 community hospital-based cancer centers in 16 states working to support cancer
research and enhance the quality of cancer care at the nation's community hospitals,
as well as explore ways in which community hospitals can best support a wide range
of basic, clinical and population-based cancer research, with the goals of enhancing
the quality of patient care and advancing cancer research. This particular partnership’s
goal was to increase cancer screening among minorities and under-served populations
in South Carolina specifically.

An In-Depth Look at Informed Decision Making for Prostate Cancer Screening and Treatment
in South Carolina